Read More

Under pressure: The NHS in Plymouth

Derriford also performed well below the December national average of 77.3%, which itself was the lowest overall performance of major A&E departments in 14 years.

Performance was better when all A&E departments – which includes services like minor injury units and walk-in centres – are taken into account.

When these services are included, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust met the four hour target in 79.3% of cases, but this was still almost 5% lower than the previous year. It was also well below the 85.1% average across the rest of the country.

The letter, signed by consultants in charge of emergency departments in 68 acute hospitals across England and Wales and leaked to the Health Service Journal, acknowledged the best efforts of staff, trusts and clinical commissioning groups.

But it adds: “The facts remain, however, that the NHS is severely and chronically underfunded.”